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'As he was backing away he felt another blow to the head and realised he was being attacked again by Symons.'

The incident in Margate, Kent, was witnessed by motorist Clare Breakspear who was sitting in her car with her 10 year-old son.

The couple hired Jeff King to carry out renovations at their home in Swanley, Kent, but they were dissatisifed with his work and refused to pay him. He then went round and caused £20,000 worth of damage to their home

Symons (pictured) and his partner allegedly then attacked Mr King in the street, which they deny

She told police she saw Turrell holding a screwdriver behind her back and called the police.

Mr Connolly said: 'She looked up to see Turrell walking incredibly quickly towards Mr King. She was still shouting. When she got to King she struck out with her fist.

'Clare Breakspear saw Turrell stab Mr King a couple of times to his neck.

'She described to police how the blows were fast but she paused between each blow to shout and swear at Mr King.'

Mr King was taken to Kings College Hospital in London and later discharged as Symons and Turrell, from were arrested.

Symons told police that Mr King, a man he had known for several years, had caused £20,000 worth of damage to his house.

He claimed the two had argued near his van and he believed Mr King was reaching for a weapon in his bag and hit him 'instinctively'.

Turrell admitted stabbing the builder in the neck with the screwdriver but claimed it was not on purpose.

Symons and Turrell deny trying to kill the workman or, alternatively, wounding him with intent and to possessing an offensive weapon.

The trial continues.

The couple's home in Swanley, Kent, (the road, pictured) was damaged by Mr King, who appeared in court over charges of criminal damage just days before the alleged attack